Bangalore-based vehicle sharing marketplace, Drivezy, announced today that it has added 10,000 two-wheelers onto the platform. The company will launch the scooters and motorcyels across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mysore, Mangalore and Manipal. Founded in 2015, the company offers car, motorcycle and scooter sharing services across as many as nine cities in across India. Drivezy recently announced a $20 million Series B funding and a $100 million asset financing deal with Anypay, under which the start-up will add in excess of 50,000 vehicles.

Over the last one year, Drivezy has strengthened its fleet size to more than 4,000 two-wheelers in a bid to widen its footprint pan India. The induction of the new fleet will bolster the Drivezy’s position as the market leader in the burgeoning Indian vehicle sharing horizon. Customers can rent vehicles from Drivezy on hourly, daily or monthly basis.

With the addition of the new fleet, the company plans to launch a one-way two-wheeler rental service, that will allow customers to rent a scooter or a motorcycle from a location and drop it any other company location as per their convenience.

Ashwarya Pratap Singh, CEO of Drivezy.

Ashwarya Pratap Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, says: “The global car-centric culture has burdened our cities with much unpleasantness, from traffic to parking shortages. The beauty of one-way two-wheeler rentals is that scooters and bikes can whisk you across congested urban roads for a few rupees. The sharing economy in India is thriving and has picked up the real pace in the past five years, especially within the mobility sector. With less than 8% of Indian citizens owning a car, the rapidly growing car and bike sharing industry could provide convenient and sustainable mobility to millions of urban Indian residents.”

Drivezy has increasingly focused on integrating ‘micro-mobility’ commute options. Previously, Drivezy had launched a ‘last mile’ commute service for Hyderabad metro passengers with ‘per minute tariffs’. The rationale behind ‘last mile connectivity’ using bikes and scooters is to simplify travel for metro commuters who face difficulties in reaching their final destination from metro stations.

Unlike the conventional round-trip rental services, one-way rentals will absolve the customer from returning the vehicle at the point of origin. This will provide a greater degree of convenience and flexibility. This will allow customers to travel at half the price of cabs and offer economical options for last-mile connectivity across India.

The company is aggressively scaling its bike and scooter rental divisions which have added 3,000 scooters in Bangalore and Hyderabad this year under a partnership with Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. Additionally, Drivezy has partnered with Oyo and Ola in Hyderabad and is looking at similar partnerships in the near future to expand the bike and car rental space.

Drivezy’s vehicle sharing marketplace is a strategic and efficient alternative to outright vehicle purchase for consumers. It allows vehicle owners to list their idle cars, motorcycles and scooters and turn them into profit-generating assets by renting the vehicles to customers at a fraction of the cost required to purchase a vehicle. Customers can rent a car or a two-wheeler from Drivezy on an hourly, daily, weekly and a monthly basis.

A happy customer of Drivezy

Drivezy (formerly JustRide) was one among the few startups selected by the prestigious American startup accelerator, Y Combinator, for the 2016 summer batch. Drivezy is also backed by the internet search giant, Google. Co-founded in 2015 by Ashwarya Pratap Singh, Abhishek Mahajan, Hemant Sah, Vasant Verma and Amit Sahu, Drivezy operates India’s largest peer-to-peer vehicle sharing network. Having partnered with over 2,000 vehicle owners, Drivezy has over 7,000 operational cars, motorcycles and scooters on its platform, which are rented by over 37,000 customers every month

Drivezy, previously known as JustRide, started operations in August 2015 and is the pioneer of a peer-to-peer bike and car sharing service in India. Headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, Drivezy currently operates in eight other cities across India including Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore, Manipal, Mysoreand Nagpur. The company aims to expand to five other cities including Chennai, Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Kolkata over the next few months. Drivezy’s key financing partners include Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Mahindra Finance, Yes Bank, HDFC Bank and Tata Motor Finance.

The Bangalore-based Kuchipudi exponent, Vyjayanthi Kashi is the winner of Nrithya Choodamani Award 2018. Vyjyanthi Kashi received the Nithya Choodamani Award 2018 from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennaiin a fully-packed event this evening. While accepting the Nithya Choodamani Award 2018, Vyjayanthi Kashi reminisced about her journey in Kuchipudi, dating back to the early 1980s.

Vyjayanthi Kashi said that when she started learning Kuchipudi back in 1980s, literally there were no teachers available in Bangalore to mentor her. Vyjayanthi Kashi, out of her own passion and drive, did go all the way to Andhra Pradesh to learn the art form of Kuchipudi. What is more, while reflecting on her past decision to make it to Andhra Pradesh to learn Kuchipudi, Vyjayanthi Kashi is feeling elated to take that decision of pursuing Kuchipudi by visiting to Andhra Pradesh, just to learn the craft.

Good that Vyjayanthi Kashi had firmed up her mind to learn the art of Kuchipudi from the place of origin by that name in Andhra Pradesh, for it gave a great opportunity to comprehend the nuances of Kuchipudi as an art form in addition to understanding the sweet language of Telugu and the great culture of Andhra Pradesh.

When asked as to how she felt about the Nithya Choodamani Award 2018, Vyjayanthi Kashi was of the opinion that with each new award that come her way, which added more duty bound for her to analyse more about Kuchipudi and pay back to the artform with more enthusiasm and verve. With each award Vyjayanthi wins, the Kuchipudi artiste is all the more alert to set new milestones in her already successful career.

Vyjayanthi Kashi.

When asked as to what would be her piece of advice to the new generation aspiring artistes, Vyjayanthi Kashi urges them set their target ahead of Margam, nevertheless adding that there is no short-cut to success and to achieve the ultimate goal, it is imperative to improve in a systematic manner. Former Managing Director of Ashok Leyland, P Seshasayee conferred the Nithya Choodamani Award 2018 to Vyjayanthi in a vibrant event that spiced up the sedate winter Chennai.

Through its Cool Work Wear Allen Solly launches campaign “Open Work Culture” for movie enthusiasts at PVR Cinemas Bangalore

Allen Solly kick-starts “Open Work Culture” campaign for film enthusiasts at PVR Cinemas at Phoenix Market City in Bangalore

Allen Solly, India’s premium semi-formal brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., launched its latest campaign ‘Open Work Culture’ – recognising the importance of an employee-friendly work environment. In line with the brand philosophy of embracing #OpenWorkCulture through its ‘Cool Work Wear’, the campaign highlights the cool quotient of a new-age working ambience. The elements in the ambience include environment-friendly commutes, pet-friendly workplaces, and taking time off work along with working in a comfortable work environment and work spaces.

To popularise the concept of ‘Open Work Culture’, Allen Solly decided to interact with the consumers at their most favorite entertainment spot – PVR cinemas located at Phoenix Market City, Bangalore. moviegoers were engaged in a unique fashion on a weekend. The people who had come to watch a movie on a Saturday were unaware about the pleasant surprise in store for them.

During the interval, the ‘cool Allen Solly’ guy cycled to the theatre with the music from the Television Commercialsetting the momentum. He then performed stunts on the cycle inside the theatre, which surprised and amused the audience. As the crowd cheered on, the emcee took over and asked the audience if they cycled to work – keeping the philosophy of the campaign in sync. Several hands shot up and they were awarded special vouchers instantly. Also, there was a special surprise for the audience under their seats.

The experiential engagement with the audiences have created a closer connect with the brand and the ‘Open Work Culture’ philosophy. Moreover, the viewers relived the cinematic version of the campaign.

The campaign that was launched in May this year with a cool TVC talking about pet friendly workplaces has continued with a new film celebrating the concept of cool commutes to work. The video features a young man cycling to his work place clad in an Allen Solly attire. The lime palette T-shirt worn over smart chinos and paired with a blazer from Allen Solly’s ‘New Age Work Wear’collection seemed to be clothing him in self–confidence. The TVC depicts a futuristic office which has a cycle parking space next to the desk — perks of an open work culture.

Commenting on this campaign, Anil.S.Kumar, COO, Allen Sollysaid “Allen Solly’s ‘Open Work Culture’ is a fashionable and functional take on the new-age work environment and needs. It is important for us, as a brand, to connect with the new-age audiences through a memorable and charming experience. This activation is another experiment in that direction wherein we celebrate the ‘Open Work culture’ with cinematic flair.”

Varun Katyal, Senior CD, Ogilvy who led the campaign said, “In the past, Allen Solly has redefined work wear. Carrying forward the same thought process, we embarked on a concept to amplify the workplace of the future. #OpenWorkCulture was conceived as an extension to this thought process. To accentuate the experience, we decided to wow our audiences by making them experience an advertisement film rather than just watch it on the big screen.”

Allen Solly is a brand inspiring the birth of an entirely new consumer class. Launched in India in 1993, its edgy positioning, smart communication and great fashion created the ‘smart casuals’ category in India. A quintessential British Brand, Allen Solly was launched in India by Madura Fashion & Lifestyle A Division of Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited. Allen Solly is among the top most brands in India and it scored the highest amidst all brands in its segment by the Economic Times Brand Equity survey.

Allen Solly is a pioneer for western wear for women in India and redefines work wear in India with its ‘Friday Dressing’ fashion concept. It is the fastest growing brand in the industry and is the only brand with extensive men, women and kids presence across the country. Allen Solly is the exclusive licensee in India to produce, market and distribute apparel with Wimbledon branding.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) was formed after the consolidation of the branded apparel businesses of Aditya Birla Group comprising Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd.’s (ABNL) Madura Fashion division and ABNL’s subsidiaries Pantaloons Fashion & Retail Limited (PFRL) and Madura Garments Lifestyle Retail Company Limited (MGLRCL) in May 2015. Post the consolidation, PFRL was renamed as Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. ABFRL is India’s No 1 Fashion Lifestyle entity. It hosts India’s largest fashion network with over 11,000 points of sale, which include, close to 2,500 exclusive ABFRL brand outlets.

SMAAASH Delhi celebrates its first anniversary at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. Take pleasure in a hearty meal, terrific and engaging games and much more this month as SMAAASH celebrates it first anniversary gala.

SMAAASH Ambience Mall at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

As the SMAAASH Ambience Mall, Vasant KunjNew Delhi is turning one, on this special occasion, the gaming and entertainment hub is presenting electrifying offers on Games. Just drop by along with your buddies and family to experience the thrill at SMAAASH like never before. Buy one get one free on all games excluding Bowling and Cricket.

Timing- 8:30.00 pm – 11:30 pm

Monday to Thursday

The excitement is not over yet! To add further punch of enjoyment, recharge your SMAAASH card for Rs 10,000 and get Rs 20,000 playing value till November 30, 2018

(The Card value is only valid on games and not on F&B). Visit and be a part of the celebrations and make your outings special with SMAAASH this month!

SMAAASH Ambience Mall at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Launched in 2012, SMAAASH is one of India’s acclaimed gaming and entertainment centres that blends sports, virtual reality, music and dining into an immersive, evolved, interactive and innovative social experience for family, friends and children alike. Helmed by its creative ideator, Shripal Morakhia, SMAAASH is renowned in the field of sports simulation technology and proprietary gamification technologies such as a unique twilight bowling zone, VR Games and bike racing simulators and the go-karting tracks in Mumbai and Gurugram (Gurgaon).

Art of Attack at SMAAASH Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Being a virtual reality led entertainment gaming centre – vastly credited to its in-house research and production capabilities, head mounted VR displays are used to produce games such as Walk the Plank, Finger Coaster, Jurassic Escape, Cockpit 360, and more.

SMAAASH acquired 100% stake in BluO entertainment, a premium bowling and entertainment format in 2017. The acquisition marked doubling the area under SMAAASH management from 276,000 square feet to an estimated 600,000 square feet in India. With its current presence in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Noida, Pune, Chandigarh and total of 16 cities SMAAASH is also touted as one of India’s entertainment powerhouse in foreign shores with its Mall of America Minnesota launch and are soon going to open two new centres in Middle East countries.

Finger Coaster at SMAAASH Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Apart from this, SMAAASH also acquired a 100% stake in SVM Bowling and Gaming, a popular bowling and entertainment format operated by SVM Private Limited in 2017. SMAAASH is now present in 16 cities and now has 33 centres in total.

SMAAASH implores the child in you to joyously revel in an unmatched range of activities ranging from highly interactive sports simulators to many more thrilling and recreational attractions. Redefining sports entertainment and customer engagement with ground breaking entertainment ideas and novel dining concepts, SMAAASH has something for everyone of any age making it a perfect destination for “kids” of all ages. For more details, visit smaaash.in

With a sizeable portion of Indian students making Ireland a most preferred destination for higher education. Education in Ireland is an Irish national brand under the authority of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Glimpse of Education in Ireland Fair

The fair, Education Ireland Education Fair 2018kick-started on November 17 at the Shangri – La hotel Delhi for students aspiring to pursue higher education in Ireland. An estimated 300 students in Delhi attended the fair. The education fair is spanning five cities wherein prominent universities and educational institutes of Ireland are meeting students under one roof. It will conclude in Chennai on November 25. In addition to Delhi and Chennai, the fair is also happening in Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore as well.

Barry O’Driscoll, Senior Education Adviser, Education in Ireland said, “This education fair aims to provide a transparent and delightful opportunity for the students to grow personally and professionally. We aspire to help students and institutions to achieve their goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. Also this fair’s goal was to create opportunities for Indian counterparts to form business partnerships with local institutions with a common goal to bring the highest standards in education system.”

Slew of Options

This Education Fair was distinctive in terms of options it provided to each seeker, who could apply to the institution of his/her choice and get first-hand information on courses, scholarships right there. Education in Ireland’s education fair in Delhi also provided an opportunity to have one-on-one interactions with 20 institutions such as Athlone Institute of Technology, Cork Institute of Technology, Dublin Business School, Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Griffith College, Institute of Technology Carlow, Limerick Institute of Technology, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Maynooth University, National College of Ireland, National University of Ireland, Galway; Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick and Waterford Institute of Technology.

Enterprise Ireland which manages the Education in Ireland national brand under the authority of the Minister for Education and Skills. Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the promotion of Irish Higher Education Institutions overseas. Ireland’s higher education institutes offer a remarkable 5000+ programs. Covering a huge diverse range these courses lead to internationally recognised, quality assured qualifications. Irish universities are ranked amongst the best in the world and studying in Ireland, for students, also means the free fees scheme, enabling those who meet the criteria to avoid tuition fees if studying a public funded course. For international students, there a huge variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries to help fund your studies in this beautiful country.